KS3 & Other Events

I’m passionate about reading and writing, and I think it’s a tragedy that so many children lose their natural enthusiasm for books after KS2.

These talks and workshops aim to get older pupils thinking about writing again by giving them a chance to meet a working author and discuss more complex subjects – everything from gender politics to understanding world events, and how books can help to make sense of them.

BEING AN AUTHOR

In this talk I explain how I began writing stories, how I eventually turned one of them into a published book, and what it’s like to write for a living!

This is a chance for pupils to see and understand the process of professional writing – from first seed to final draft, including all the people involved at each step and all the mistakes and revisions along the way.

“So many children were talking about aspiring to be an author after meeting Ross. They loved his stories and were still coming to my room a week later asking to buy his books. The whole school cheered when I said that I would be buying his books for our library!” Mrs Sadler, English subject lead, Walton Primary School

Suitable as talks for ages 8 to 14.

WHAT DOES IT MEAN TO BE A MAN?

Once boys reach Year 6, reading habits often drop off completely. I believe this is partly because boys are afraid to be seen reading books which might make them seem “girly”. In this talk aimed at boys (though girls are also welcome), I talk about gender expectations, how the rules about what makes a man and what makes a woman are flawed and damaging, and how reading for pleasure can help make you smarter and kinder.

Suitable as talks for ages 8 to 14.

READING AND EMPATHY

We live in divided times – it’s vital that we try to understand one another, and one of the most effective ways to do this is by reading. Working with the organisation Empathy Lab I talk to pupils about the importance of learning how to empathise with other people, and how reading helps us build on this key skill by placing us in someone else’s shoes. A great way to link literacy to PSHCE and Citizenship topics and encourage KS2 and KS3 boys back into reading.

Suitable as talks for ages 10 to 14.

Want another kind of talk? Want more info? Please CONTACT ME and get in touch!